The Airmen's Stories - P/O S J Pearmain

Stanley James Pearmain was born on 5th March 1907 in Cambridge. He married Gwendoline Maud Bowles in Cambridge in December 1930.

Pearmain joined the RAFVR in April 1940 with a direct-entry commission as an Air Gunner. He completed his training and arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down on 14th June 1940.

Pearmain had trained as a pilot at the Cambridge Aero Club and was awarded Royal Aero Club Certificate 18654 on 18th May 1939. His occupation was recorded as 'Wholesale confectionery'.

Its possible that he was considered too old by the standards of the time for pilot training.

After converting to Defiants he joined 141 Squadron at Turnhouse on 8th July. Pearmain became unwell, the reason not known, and was admitted to hospital in late July.

He rejoined 141 Squadron from hospital on 3rd August 1940 and was granted twenty-one days sick leave, from 5th August.

He remained with the squadron until 8th July 1941 when he was posted to the newly-formed 410 (RCAF) Squadron at Ayr.

His subsequent service is currently undocumented though it is recorded that he had to relinquish his commission due to ill-health on 24th November 1944.